Checkering Tips
Ditto the above on Monty Kennedy's book. He includes several patterns ranging from simple to complex in the book.
I have found that using a transparency pen (buy a pack of 4-8 at Office Max or the like) is excellent for initial layout of a pattern on a stock. The ink wipes off with a damp Kleenex if you don't like what you have drawn. It is also much more visible than a grease pencil, easier to clean up and change errors, and it won't penetrate the finish to stain the wood.
A piece of a flexible measuring tape makes a good flexible rule for checkering. I keep a couple of pieces about 12 to 18 inches long in my box.
I cut better on the pull stroke than the push stroke. I do layout the lines better pushing, however, so I use my spacer on the push stroke. Just do what feels right to YOU.
You can practice on military stocks, but they tend to be soft and different from the handle that you really want to do "for real." Boyds (
www.boydboys.com ) will sell you a practice stock for less than $10 that you can sand and finish with the same finish that you used on your project. Practice on that finish. It will save you some heartache later.
Use a checkering cradle. You can make one, or the Brownells cradle works fine for very little money. You need a way to hold the cradle. A bench vise works OK but is not always super accessible. I made a rig with pipe to hold mine. If I ever get a chance I'll post a picture.
Good luck!
Clemson